If you know of any grey stains that weren't included here that you would like to see, just let me know in the comments! Grey Stain Colors I didn't include any exterior stains or "weathering" treatments in this test, but I might do a second round in the future. Each piece was sanded with 150 grit sandpaper, and was not treated with any kind of wood conditioner before applying the stain. Each photo has the same camera settings.Īll the gray wood stains were tested on birch plywood, maple, poplar, pine, and oak. Grey Stain Color Comparison By Wood Species (Two Coats)Įach sample has been photographed in the same lighting conditions against a white background without any color correction other than adjusting the white balance to be exactly the same for each photo.Varathane Weathered Gray Stain (2 coats).General Finishes Gray Gel Stain (2 coats).Color Comparison By Wood Species (1 Coat).Completely covers the grain with dense color.Īlso, because exterior wood must bear the brunt of the harsh sun and whatever else Mother Nature dishes out, make sure the product you purchase for a deck or fence contains UV and mildew protection. Semi-opaque-imparts deep color and obscures most of the wood grain.Semi-transparent-adds a rich color but the grain is still fairly visible. Toner-contains just a hint of pigment so the natural wood grain is visible.When buying exterior stain, check the opacity on the label to get the look you desire. Exterior stains, such as deck and fence stain, often contain higher amounts of pigment, which serve to conceal some or most of the grain. Most interior wood stain products are designed to impart a transparent dye that will not obscure the grain of the wood. As with other oil-based stains, you must have adequate ventilation when applying with a brush (the formula is too thick for a spray), only apply at temperatures between 50° and 80° Fahrenheit, and use turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup. The gel is created by whipping oil, solvents, and pigments to produce a thick, smooth consistency that won’t separate. Gel Stain: Though oil-based, gel stains aren’t as messy as regular oil- and water-based stains, because the gel won’t drip, splatter, or run. Whatever application technique you choose, be sure to coat the surface carefully and uniformly to avoid blotchiness and color discrepancies. Cleaning tools afterward requires a solvent, such as turpentine or mineral spirits. Any tiny bubbles caused by spraying will barely be noticeable on large exterior surfaces. While varnish stain can be applied by brushing or spraying, brushing offers a smoother finish best suited to interior projects. Because they contain solvents, varnish stains are often high in VOCs and should be used only in well-ventilated areas. A two-in-one, time-saving product, it contains oil, solvents, pigments, and resins, which both dye the wood grain and also form a hardened protective coating. Varnish Stain: Varnish stain, a formula found in some interior stain products and the majority of exterior stain products, is a combination of oil-based wood stain and surface sealer. Oil-based stain can be applied by spraying or brushing, and cleaning the tools afterward requires the use of a solvent, such as turpentine or mineral spirits. At lower temps, it can become thick and unworkable, and at higher temps, especially in high humidity, the stain tends to “sweat” and leave blotches on the surface. While oil stain is found in both indoor and outdoor products, it can only be applied in temperatures between 50° F and 80° Fahrenheit. Depending on the brand, oil stain can take up to two days to dry sufficiently before a finish coat, such as clear polyurethane or varnish, can be applied. Oil-based stain also contains solvents with volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which help the oil and pigments to blend, but can also create noxious fumes, so only use oil-based stain in well-ventilated areas. Oil-Based Stain: Because it contains oil, this stain naturally repels water to a degree, making it a good choice for wood that might get wet, such as a kitchen tabletop. Water-based stains can be applied by brushing or spraying, and tools clean up easily with plain soap and water. The downside to water-based stain is that the water content raises the grain of the wood be sure to sand the surface to get rid of roughness before applying a final coat of sealer. Water-based stain usually dries quickly, often within a few hours, and is usually used on interior projects, such as hardwood floors and trim. Water-Based Stain: Comprised largely of pigment and water-and sometimes a small amount of solvent-water-based stains are free of or low in VOCs and less likely to create toxic fumes during application. Photo: Key Considerations for Choosing a Wood Stain Understand the Formulationsīefore buying a stain, understand the properties of the four different formulas available.
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